Liverpool under pressure: what Arne Slot must fix to stop the slide and revive the title chase

Liverpool's season has hit rough waters, with a 3-0 home defeat to Nottingham Forest spotlighting gaps that go beyond a momentary tactical misstep under Arne Slot.

The setback compounds a run of six defeats in seven league games, leaving the reigning champions 12th and chasing a rapid revival at Anfield.

Unlocking Isak and Wirtz

Isak and Florian Wirtz were the marquee signings of a big summer outlay, but their impact has yet to match the price tag. Isak's display against Forest was below expectations, while Wirtz has battled to adapt to the Premier League's pace and physicality.

Slot must coax goals and influence from both players soon; the club has spent around £241m to secure firepower and creativity. In contrast, Hugo Ekitike has shown more consistent form, complicating selection decisions.

The decision to start Isak ahead of Ekitike drew criticism, underscoring a larger challenge: can the two new forwards dovetail, or will one be forced to bench for balance?

Should Salah stay or be benched?

Mohamed Salah remains a defining talent for Liverpool, but Slot is weighing his defensive contributions and overall impact as results falter. The debate intensified after Salah was left on the bench in some European fixtures, suggesting a broader rethink may be underway.

With the Africa Cup of Nations looming, managing Salah's minutes becomes more critical and could shape the squad's balance in key fixtures.

Back to basics?

Slot's title-winning approach relied on a compact midfield and a clear structure. This season's experimentation with Wirtz in an advanced role and Szoboszlai pushed to right-back has unsettled the balance. The best displays have come when Szoboszlai, Gravenberch, and Mac Allister formed a reliable base, enabling the attackers to flourish.

Revisiting a tighter system, perhaps returning to a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1, could help stabilise performances and give the new signings a clearer platform to thrive. The decision to deploy Szoboszlai at right-back against Forest underscored the ongoing search for clarity.

Guehi pursuit and defensive solidity

A late bid for Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi fell short, leaving Liverpool light in central defence and exposed on set-pieces. Reinforcement at centre-back remains a priority to partner Virgil van Dijk and push Ibrahima Konaté for minutes.

Guehi's availability would be a major boost, though Palace’s price and timing could push a summer move or alternative options into play.

Key Takeaways

• Slot must reestablish balance with a compact midfield base that supports the defence.
• Isak and Wirtz are under pressure to deliver immediate impact to justify the transfer spend.
• Salah remains a major threat; his role will influence both defence and attack in coming fixtures.
• Defensive reinforcement, including a potential Guehi signing, is crucial to curb set-piece and open-play concession.

Expert comment

Slot needs a clear plan quickly, and the next run of matches will show whether he can arrest the slide or force bigger changes. The way he integrates the new forwards with a solid midfield will determine Liverpool's revival.

Summary

Liverpool's slump tests Slot's leadership as he weighs tweaks against stability. With Isak, Wirtz, and Salah central to the plan, Slot must settle the lineup, shore up the defence, and reclaim the method that delivered last season's title.

Key insight: Slot must reset the system around a resilient midfield and maximise the impact of new signings to halt Liverpool's slide at Anfield. Source